We as Teachers must NOT be Silent!

After comparing the characteristics on infoworks to the diversity in my classroom, I have definitely become aware of the differences among the children I work with. Conversing with them has also opened my eyes to the many differences between their homes and family situations. In order for a teacher to help his/her students to their fullest extent, they must be aware and accept all of these differences. A teacher must have the goal in mind to know each student and family personally to better help their children. As Allan Johnson would say, “If we have a vision of what we want social life to look like, we have to create paths that lead in that direction.” (Who Me?, p.1)
A teacher with a bias towards a specific race or culture can lead to difficulties in students learning as well as their social development. Johnson believes that good feelings, thoughts, and outward behavior is not enough, and that patterns of oppression are rooted into systems that we participate in. We, as teachers need to change social life. We need to get rid of the biases within our schools and balance out the success among all races and cultures. We need to be active and not silent or change will not happen.
The teacher within my classroom does not necessarily have a bias toward specific students but her responses change depending on who she is talking to. I help within the school three times a week and the students she is constantly raising her voice to tend to be the same. The children she rewards are also the same. Being the observer in the classroom gives me the opportunity to watch the effects of the teacher’s disciplinary practices. The body language of the child being yelled at changes along with their motivation and enthusiasm to complete their work. For example, a little boy was constantly being yelled and embarrassed in front of the class about a “bad” and “horrible” choice that he made the day before. Ice cream, feathers, and school store were taken away from him all at once. The boy then decided that he did not want to complete his morning work. I almost wanted to stand beside him and allow him not to. If I did not have anything to work towards and if I was constantly being yelled at for something that happened yesterday, I would not want to try today. My mind-set would be—well if I cannot become any better today then why try?
I believe that my personally history will give me an advantage within the classroom. I grew up from 8 to 19 years old in a dance studio located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The diversity within my dance school matches up with the diversity I see in the elementary school. I was young and learned that everyone is equal and deserves the same opportunities. Because of the much diversity in my dance studio, I also grew up with diverse friends and have always been a person to get along with everyone. I think this one quality will help me create a friendly atmosphere in my classroom. It will come naturally to treat all of my students the same no matter their race or culture. This advantage will help me be a passive person and not silent. I will be able to help change the social systems and strengthen society.